Beware Unscrupulous (Internet) Recruitment Agencies

ANA has recently received a number of calls and worrying comments from nannies who have genuine concerns regarding (internet-based) childcare recruitment agencies and nanny clubs that charge nannies to register for career opportunities, placements and training courses, none of which ever materialise.

ANA cautions all nannies to be extremely wary of subscribing to these organisations or paying for these services as there are no guarantees of finding work and nor can the suitability of the roles (if they exist at all) be assured. Before contacting such organisations  -and certainly long before handing over any money, confidential information, or career resumes-  ANA advises that nannies make thorough checks on the credibility of the organisation by seeking  assurances from trusted sources that the organisation is bona fide.

European law prohibits recruitment agencies from charging job-seekers for finding work; if a recruitment agency asks for service fees for its job-seeking services, simply walk away …and report your concerns about the agency to YOUR LOCAL TRADING STANDARDS OFFICE.

For peace of mind, a professional service and a confidential, no-hassle job-seeking experience, register with an ANA approved agency. ANA approved recruitment agencies not only provide their employment finding services free-of-charge but are guaranteed bona fide and are regularly monitored by ANA to ensure a level of service  that is to the very highest professional standards.

For more information, please CONTACT US

Ed Milliband Seeks Changes in the Childcare Sector

In response to ever increasing concerns around childcare highlighted by recent  -and often troubling-  headlines not to mention the recent rise in unregulated nanny recruitment practices, ED MILLIBAND VOWS THAT HE WILL TACKLE THE “CHILDCARE CRUNCH” and is proposing a number of changes to the childcare sector.

All too often, parents are faced with a bewildering array of childcare options (from wrap-around care for nursery/school runs, to school holiday child-minding provision, to au pair combinations, and to full day care) and widely differential costs associated with each of these childcare arrangements Deciding on which is best not only from a cost perspective but  -more importantly-  for the welfare and development of the child(ren) can prove a maelstrom of decision and counter-decision that benefits no-one.

ANA broadly welcomes these initiatives (though details remain unconfirmed) and hopes that these changes respond to our ongoing campaigns and requests for much-needed clarity on the childcare options available in the UK.

New Dates for ANA Professional Nannies Training Course

ANA Nannies is pleased to announce additional dates for its PROFESSIONAL NANNY TRAINING COURSE designed specifically for nannies working in private homes. This training has been endorsed by the COUNCIL FOR AWARDS IN CARE, HEALTH & EDUCATION (CACHE), the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the care and education sector and is suitable for obtaining registration as a child-minder with OFSTED. One day training £164.00 inclusive of certificate. To join the course attendees must have minimum of level 2 training in childcare or 2 years plus experience working in a childcare setting (ANA will seek references to confirm).

The next scheduled courses will be:

• London: 12th January 2014 (Venue to be confirmed)
• London or Kent: February 2014 (Date and venue to be confirmed)
• Surrey: 4^th January, 18^th  January; 1^st February and 15^th February (Venue to be confirmed)

For more information or to reserve your place please CLICK HERE.

New Pensions Regulations

The government has announced that within the next 5 years all UK employers will be required under the Pensions Act 2008 to automatically enrol their workers into a qualifying pension scheme and to contribute to that pension. To find out what you need to do to comply with these new regulations, please see our PENSIONS FACTSHEET

ANA at the Labour Party Conference

ANA was invited to attend the Labour Party conference on Monday 23^rd September to participate in “the “Family Room” discussions, an established focal point for progressive debate and the sharing of expertise on UK family policy. “Family Room” events are held throughout the year to provide opportunity for members to engage in discussion with policy makers and benefit from insight from leading figures in the sector around issues faced by families today.

The 19 “Family Room” members are all non-profit and charitable organisations focused on the provision of  help lines, face-to- face services, training, information and research; their services reach and support millions of families each year.

From the days proceedings ANA learnt that:

• Labour are proposing to offer 25 hours of free childcare to children aged 2 years and under;
• 65% of children aged between 12-16 years of age do not  live with both birth parents;
• the average length of a marriage is now just 11 years;
• parents spend 28% longer at work in 2000 than in 1975;
• 1 in 5 mothers has turned down a job because they cannot afford childcare costs;
• childcare costs increased at double the rate of inflation between 2011 and 2012;
• 1 in 3 working mothers relies on grandparents for childcare.

ANA would like to thank the “Family Room” and “The Childcare Trust” for the opportunity to contribute to this event. Moving forward, ANA is actively seeking similar opportunities to engage with other like-minded organisations to promote improvements in child safety, notably through better childcare and child-carer recruitment.

New Dates for ANA Professional Nannies Training Course

ANA Nannies is pleased to announce additional dates for its PROFESSIONAL NANNY TRAINING COURSE designed specifically for nannies working in private homes. This training has been endorsed by the COUNCIL FOR AWARDS IN CARE, HEALTH & EDUCATION (CACHE), the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the care and education sector and is suitable for obtaining registration as a child-minder with OFSTED. One day training £164.00 inclusive of certificate. To join the course attendees must have minimum of level 2 training in childcare or 2 years plus experience working in a childcare setting (ANA will seek references to confirm).

The next scheduled courses will be held on 12th October in London and on 19th October in Bournemouth. For more information or to reserve your place please CLICK HERE.

Advice on Finding Work

ANA members met on Saturday in London and were treated to a very informative speech regarding employment agency rules and other matters related to job seekers using employment agencies in their search for work.  Did you know, for example, that it is illegal for an employment agency, however it operates, to charge a fee to its candidates seeking work through them? The only exception to this is in the entertainment and modelling sectors.

In order to maintain membership of ANA, all ANA registered agencies must adhere to strict recruitment methods that exceed the standards recommended by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.  ANA registered agencies are free to use for job seekers; and our agencies guarantee each nanny seeking work through them a personal service, one-to-one interview, career advice and support not just through the recruitment process but post placement as well   …all at no cost to the nanny! Nannies seeking –and securing- employment independently through the internet, private classified advertisements and other unregulated sources are not afforded these benefits nor these assurances.

New Dates for ANA Professional Nannies Training Course

ANA Nannies has launched its own PROFESSIONAL NANNY TRAINING COURSE designed specifically for nannies working in private homes. This training has been endorsed by the COUNCIL FOR AWARDS IN CARE, HEALTH & EDUCATION (CACHE), the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the care and education sector and is suitable for obtaining registration as a child-minder with OFSTED.

The next scheduled courses will be held on thefollowing dates:

• 7.00pm-9.30pm on Friday 20th Sep 2013 at Sidcup Adult Education Centre, Alma Road, Sidcup, Kent (Trainer: Margaret Cowell)
• 7.00pm-9.30pm on Friday 27th Sep 2013 at Sidcup Adult Education Centre, Alma Road, Sidcup, Kent (Trainer: Margaret Cowell)
• 7.00pm-9.30pm on Friday 4th Oct 2013 at Sidcup Adult Education Centre, Alma Road, Sidcup, Kent (Trainer: Margaret Cowell)
• 9.00pm-5.30pm on Saturday 12th Oct 2013 at a location in London (Trainer: Angela Spencer)

For more information on the course content or simply further enquiries, please read our LEAFLET. To secure a place on any of these courses, please CLICK HERE. We look forward to seeing you.

ANA Professional Nannies Training Course

ANA Nannies has launched its own PROFESSIONAL NANNY TRAINING COURSE designed specifically for nannies working in private homes. This training has been endorsed by the COUNCIL FOR AWARDS IN CARE, HEALTH & EDUCATION (CACHE), the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for the care and education sector and is suitable for obtaining registration as a child-minder with OFSTED. Only four places remain on the next scheduled course on Saturday 24^th August  2013. For more information on the course content, please read our LEAFLET. To secure a place, please CLICK HERE.

ANA at the House of Lords

On Tuesday 16th July Angela Spencer and Margaret Cowell of ANA attend a reception for the Family and Childcare Trust at the House of Lords where they met Baroness Linklater of Butterstone and several other influential people related to childcare with whom we were able to raise awareness of ANA, its campaigns and the services it provides for nannies and nanny recruitment agencies. The event was a great success and yielded a number of useful connections as well as valuable information.

Free ANA Membership through Nanny Link *

From 1^st July 2013 all nannies who secure placements through Nanny Link (South East London & Kent Office) will be entitled to free personal membership to ANA Nannies* allowing them to take full advantage of the full range of benefits and discounts that ANA membership offers.

Keen to promote the professionalism of her nannies, to encourage high standards and to support nannies in their career development, Margaret Cowell (founder of Nanny Link) believes that ANA membership

• provides nannies with opportunities to keep abreast of current trends and practices within the sector to enhance their knowledge and skills and
• raises awareness of training opportunities to improve their competence and future employment prospects.

For more information on this offer, please contact Margaret

* Qualifying conditions apply

ANA Discounts on “Safeandsound” Training Courses

ANA partners, “Safeandsound”net are offering  special discounts to NA members on the following courses during 2013.

“Safeandsound” are rightly proud of their reputation as leaders in Paediatric First Aid Training Courses. Last year their nurses and paramedics trained over 7,000 nannies, au pairs, parents, carers and nursery teachers.

Day Core Skills Childcare Course

Saturday 1 June (08.45 -17.00) at “The Learning Tree” London NW1 1AD (opp Euston Station). Usual price £130. Discount for ANA members 10%

Paediatric First Aid Training

Tuesday 21 & 28 May (19.00hrs-21.30hrs) at “Huggle” London NW3 3NT (behind Swiss Cottage tibe station). Usual price £84. ANA Members discount 10%

Saturday 18 June and Saturday 6th July (09.30hrs-16.00hrs or 09.30hrs to 17.00hrs) at “The Learning Tree” London NW1 1AD (opp Euston Station). Usual price £84 and £114. ANA Discount less 10%

To benefit from these offers, e-mail roma@safeandsound.uk.net or telephone 020 8445 8998 quoating ref “ANA”. For information on all Safeandsound training click here.

ANA Discounts on Babyem Training Courses

ANA partners, Babyem are offering  special discounts on the following courses during May 2013.

An accredited maternity & childcare training organisation, Babyem has built up an excellent reputation for delivering quality training  and is regarded by many as the specialists for training nannies in the UK delivering national accredited qualifications such as CACHE & OCN.

Baby Massage Course(19th May 5pm- 8pm): Usual price £130. ANA discount price £117 or £100 each if booked in pairs.

Food and Nutrition Course (19th May 2.30-6.30pm): Usual Price £99. ANA discount price £89 each if booked in pairs.

Courses take place in London (Kensington), Guildford and Oxford.

To book, please call Babyem on 020 8986 9008 or e-mail info@babyem.co.uk quoting ref “ANA”. For information on all Babyem childcare courses for parents and professionals, please click here.

ANA Discount on the Morton Michael Nanny Organiser

ANA is delighted to be able to offer its members this Morton Michel Nanny Organiser. Designed in consultation with nannies, the organiser is certain to quickly become a nanny “must-have”.

ANA first saw this at the ANA Careers Fair in March and was truly impressed. The Organizer comprises two handy booklets in which to keep all your essential information in one safe place:

‘Our Nanny Daily Diary’ (Important information & dates to remember:  Weekly reminders:   A page a day diary:   Our favourite recipes: Our memories)

‘Our Nanny Documents’ (Child records;  Medication & treatment records:  Accident, incident & observation records:  Weekly timesheets:   Expenses record;  Nanny contracts)

Morton Michel Policyholder Discount Price:  £28.00
Non Policyholder Price:  £33.00

To order call 0845 2570 900. Quote reference ANANO/01 to save £2 on these prices

Children and Families Bill 2013

ANA has been in consultation with the government on child minder agencies and how we can advise the government on these proposals using on our knowledge and experience of this going forward. We are part of a large group of childcare professionals all contributing our thoughts.

We are waiting for further information on the government’s proposal around this matter. The following papers have been published as a statement of policy intention and draft indicative regulation which will give you further information on the plans which can be read here.

ANA is representing Nanny Agencies at this consultation and we would be happy to hear your comments. Please forward any comments to  margaret@anauk.org.

 

Showing Support for Childcare Professionals at the Association of Nanny Agencies’ First Career Fair

“We didn’t realise how much support there was for nannies, it has been a great day.” Megan M (attendee)

The Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA) held its first ever Career Fair for nannies and other childcare professionals at the end of last month and despite snow and freezing temperatures, attendance figures far exceeded expectation and the show was a resounding success.

The main aim of the day was to bring together childcare professionals and the many different agencies and other organisations that can offer advice and support for them. The exhibitors included nanny agency owners and managers, recruitment consultants, first aid training providers, payroll and insurance service providers and committee members of ANA to name just a few.

The speaker events were very well attended, with lively question and answer sessions from the floor. Speakers included Anand Shukla, Chief Execuitve at the Day Care Trust; Dave Warboys from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS); Kirsty Wild from Nanny Tax as well as Angela Spencer and Margaret Cowell from ANA.

One particularly spirited session was hosted by Sarah-Jane Butler from Parental Choice who answered many questions relating to nanny contracts and other legal concerns. Sarah-Jane provided invaluable advice for nannies who do not have support from reputable agencies on legal matters.

There were unbeatable networking opportunities for everyone in the industry. Nannies were able to sign up with recruiters and training companies while agencies had a chance to meet and talk to some really great nannies.

Commenting on the event, one of the visitors, Moira Walsh from Fulham Nannies says, “There was something of interest for everyone and a great opportunity to talk to people and learn just how much support there is out there for us. Well done to ANA for organising this and I am looking forward to going next year.”

Angela Spencer, ANA’s chairperson, adds: “This event was really an opportunity to get everyone together in one place and show just how motivated and committed we are to moving forward and becoming a more professional and accountable industry. I think we achieved this with the first event and are already planning an even bigger event for next year.”

For more information on ANA, please visit www.anauk.org.

The Chiltern College Professional Nanny of the Year Award 2013

About the Award

This exciting award gives recognition to the very important work that professional nannies do in providing high quality childcare for a large number children in the UK and a vital service to their parents. The Chiltern College Professional Nanny of the Year Award also aims to raise the profile of professional nannies as a whole. We seek out the very best professional nannies who are keen to promote and raise the profile of the profession and represent the large number of childcare professional who currently work as professional nannies in this country.

The award has been running for more than seven years and is organised by The Chiltern College supported by Morton Michel Insurance, Nannytax, Greycoat Placements and Tricia Pritchard (as an independent supporter) all of whom make up the judging panel.  The judging panel has a wide range of experience in the field and is made up of experienced professionals across all areas of work as a nanny.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply or be nominated for this award applicants must:

• Be currently working as a nanny (for the purpose of this award a nanny is defined as a person who is employed to work for parents in their home and whose main duties and responsibilities are to care for their children.
• Have 2 years’ post qualified experience of working as a nanny.
• Hold a recognised full Level 3 childcare qualification such as the DCE, NVQ, etc (or a NARIC certified equivalent qualification from another country).
• Hold a current DSB (CRB) disclosure.
• Hold a recognised paediatric first aid certificate (12 hour, under 3 years old)
• Be available to attend the interview day and Nanny Conference at The Chiltern College.

The Application and Selection Process

• Entrants can self-nominate or be nominated by their employer.
• All applicants are required to complete an application form whether nominated or self nominating.
• References will be taken up from the nanny’s current employer.  Additional references will be required if this does not cover three years of employment
• The judging panel will short list applicants for the award using pre-set criteria against the application form and the references.
• Short-listed nannies will be required to attend an interview day at the Chiltern College on Friday 10^th May 2013. The interview will include nannies spending a short time with the children in our on-site day care nurseries and also a short filming session for use at the award ceremony.
• Following the interview day the judging panel will make a decision based on the pre-set criteria.
• First, second and third prizes will be awarded to the candidates who, in the view of the judging panel, best meet the criteria
• The winner will be announced at The Nanny Conference held at The Chiltern College on Saturday 18^th May 2013.

2013 Budget Update

The Chancellor of the Exchequer  has today confirmed that the tax free allowance from April 6th 2013 will increase to £9440, an increase of £1335.

Below we assess the effect of this change on a nanny’s salary.

Net Salaries

Nannies on a net salary will not benefit from today’s announcement; they will continue to receive the same payment each week or month. For example, a nanny on a net salary of £350 per week will continue to receive £350 net per week from April 2013.

Parents employing a nanny who have agreed a net salary will benefit from because their quarterly liabilities (tax, national insurance and employer’s national insurance) will reduce. For example, between April 2012 and March 2013, a parent employing a nanny would have paid (based on a standard tax code) an additional £134 per week of tax, national insurance and employer’s national insurance). From 6th April 2013, the same parent will pay £124 (ie £10 less per week).

Gross Salaries

Nannies on a gross salary will benefit from today’s announcement and see an increase in their pay each week/month. For example, between April 2012 and March 2013, a nanny on a gross salary of £450 per week would have received (based on standard tax code) £354 net per week: from 6th April 2013 the same nanny will receive £360 net per week (ie £14 more per week).

Parents employing a nanny who have agreed a gross salary will see a slight reduction to their quarterly liabilities (tax, national insurance and employer’s national insurance) due to the change to the national insurance threshold. From 6th April 2013, the same parent will pay slightly less tax, national insurance and employer’s national insurance (due to the change to the national insurance threshold).

New Nannytax tax tables for April 2013 – March 2014

Each agency working in partnership with Nannytax will receive new laminated tax tables in the course of the coming weeks. In the interim, please call the agency advice line on 020 3137 4402 for advice on net-to-gross/gross-to-net figures or any general enquiries regarding pay and the new thresholds.

Margaret Cowell

No11 Downing Street -A Night to Remember

On 30^th January 2013, ANA was invited by the Daycare Trust and the Family and Parenting Institute to an event to celebrate the merger of the two charities. ANA has cultured a close collaborative relationship with the Trust to highlight the benefits of professional childcare, raise the profile of nannies and draw attentions to safety issues for families choosing less regulated recruitment methods. ANA has long campaigned to implement and raise best practice standards in childcare becoming a trade association to improve accountability and professionalism not just among its members but throughout the sector.

ANA was able to speak with many influential people in the industry at the event, and was particularly pleased to discuss its concerns with Elizabeth Truss, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for education and childcare in the Department for Education.  Following this event, ANA begun an online campaign to enhance the standard of nannies by proposing minimum qualifications in childcare for all child-carers. Anyone can sign the campaign petition by clicking here.

We are hoping to meet again with Elizabeth Truss and the Daycare Trust to further advance our campaign and gain parliamentary support to improve childcare standards.  In the meantime, ANA is unilaterally raising standards and professionalism through its members who are mandated to carry out DBS (formerly CRB) checks on all its candidates, ensure that all candidates are fully trained in paediatric first aid and offer continued professional development (CPD): these measures are a step in the right direction to ensuring professionalism, improving integrity and providing childcare services that are trusted and reliable.  For more information on the services ANA is able to see our About ANA Nannies page.

Margaret Cowell

ANA’s Reaction to the Government’s Proposal Advocating the Creation of Childminding Agencies

One of the proposed childcare reforms set out in Elizabeth Truss’ speech last week was the creation of childminder agencies to relieve childminders of some of the burdens of setting up their own business, provide training and match childminders with parents. Parents would approach such an agency to match them with a suitable childminder nearby. The concept proposed is very similar to the existing system of nanny agencies which introduces nannies to parents in accordance with their required criteria.

ANA, the trade association that represents nanny agencies across England and Wales, believes that in general this is positive development which would offer parents more choice and would in combination with the raised qualification requirements to be introduced, raise the standard of quality of childminders. Any training for a childminder would have to substantially more than the current 16 week course which is all that I required at the moment. Nanny agencies are already set up to introduce nannies to parents as well as, in many cases, organise training for nannies, so rather than seeing this proposal as possible competition, this is a new opportunity for many agencies to incorporate another side of childcare into their business whilst maintaining high standards.

However the devil is in the detail and ANA’s members would want to see more information provided on how a fee structure would work between a childminder and an agency or even between an agency and a parent, especially as parents can already search on-line or at their Family Information Service and thereby avoid paying an agency fee. Furthermore, how would such agencies and childminders be regulated? What level of involvement would Ofsted have given it is already criticised for failing to be tough enough in response to parental concerns and complaints? How would standards and qualifications be maintained by childminders, are agencies supposed to monitor that as well? How would existing childminders who run their own business fit into this proposed scheme? Would there end up being a two tier system for those childminders represented by a childminder agency and ones that weren’t?

As a conduit for higher standards and qualifications, better monitoring and regulation, ANA is in favour of this proposal but a lot of detail needs to be clarified. As an opportunity for new business, this proposal is something that many agencies could incorporate within their existing infrastructure but further detail needs to be provided on where the funding for training and helping childminders to set up their own business would come from and how the fees would apply. It still remains to be seen whether this proposal will in fact bring down the cost of childcare for parents or just provide a further tier of childcare in this country.

Sarah-Jane Butler (ANA Non-Executive Director)

ANA National Nanny Jobs Fair 2013

Following success at the ANA re-launch conference last year, ANA is delighted to announce its first ever National Nanny Jobs Fair. The event will held from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at The Millennium Suite, Conference Level 1, Park Plaza County Hall, 1 Addington Street, London SE1 7RY.

The National Nanny Jobs Fair provides a valuable networking event and forum for those in the child-caring profession who are looking to enhance their sector knowledge and their career future prospects whether currently in employment or seeking opportunities. More than simply a jobs fair, this event aims to promote the support and services available to nannies, child-carers & nanny agencies alike and at the same time provide a professional yet informal discussion arena in which child-care professionals can exchange ideas and discuss a vast range of current early-years topics as well as gain an insight an understanding of the latest developments in the sector.

Exhibitors from the top echelons of the sector including nanny agencies and managers; recruitment consultants; first aid companies; child-care training companies; DBS check companies and many more child-care related businesses will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of the child-caring profession. Child-carers are encouraged to bring copies of CVs to take maximise the career opportunities provided, take advantage of on-site candidate registration services and start the recruitment process with face-to-face meetings..

With advance-purchase ticket prices starting at just £7.50, can you really afford to miss this event? Secure a brighter future today by clicking here to register for the ANA National Nanny Jobs Fair.

For more detailed information or to enquire about an exhibitor stands and rates, please click here or contact Corina Naish (ANA Events Organiser) via e-mail at corina@anauk.org or telephone 07825 173875. We look forward to meeting you.

ANA Warns Against Independant Online Recruitment

In an article in the January 2013 edition of Home Childcarer, The Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA) warns against the dangers of parents using the internet to find childcare and childcarers posting their CVs to advertise their services.

ANA’s stark warning to parents followed an incident reported in the national press in which a convicted paedophile used the online classifieds website Gumtree to advertise himself as a babysitter with the eventual aim of filming himself abusing young girls. Whilst this incident is in no way the responsibility of Gumtree, it nonetheless highlights the very real dangers of employing unchecked strangers to look after children, the most precious yet the most impressionable and among the most vulnerable in society.

Whilst the prevailing economic climate has encouraged “quick fix” solutions to finding childcare, ANA provide an honest appraisal of the pitfalls and hiden dangers of “going it alone” arguin convincingly that recruiting a nanny through an agency is infinitely safer and considerably more reliable than independant online recruitment.

To read the article in full click here.

Margaret Cowell

ANA Launches Blog & Website

The Association of Nanny Agencies is delighted to announce its new blog and website.

Rather than issue regular e-mail newsletters of items that we thought might be of interest to those to those working or otherwise engaged in the professional childcare sector, ANA has decided to embrace current technology to bring to its clients, members, contacts and a wider audience news, developments and opinions about matters related to the profession.

This blog will provide an opportunity for those who do not wish to subscribe to a members only service to browse these pages whenever it is convenient for them to do so rather than feeling obliged to register their details. Those who would like to keep up-to-date with ANA news can subscribe to this blog via the Follow button or RSS Feed by clicking on the links.

But a blog is not just a one way communication medium. If you have any comments, feedback or items of interest, please feel free to post a comment below or contact us via our Contact page.

ANA hopes to post a blog once a month but may do so more frequently if significant news, events or developments are afoot. In the meantime, thank you for visiting the ANA blog and website; we hope you find both interesting.

We look forward to hearing from you …and engaging with you!

Angela Spencer  & Margaret Cowell